MANKATO — After having a terrific season as a defensive specialist, it’s time for Mankato West senior center fielder Maddie Kaus to make the transition into a two-way threat for the Scarlets’ softball squad.

Kaus, who generated a .300 average with four runs scored and three RBIs in a mere 10 at bats, recorded 19 putouts and a pair of assists while roaming right field a year ago. With all-state center fielder Jillian Olsen graduated, Kaus will anchor the Scarlets’ outfield when West takes the field Saturday at Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial.

“Maddie is a three-year varsity returner for us so having that experience she knows what the program needs,” West coach Sara Tostenson said. “She’s a very vocal leader who loves softball and is going to New York to play college ball next year. We are looking for Maddie to fill the spot in center field and cover a lot of space. She’s a great communicator and we’re excited to see what she can do.

“She’s worked very hard this summer and last year as well on her hitting. We want her to develop that strength at the plate and gain that confidence so I am excited to see what her bat can do this season. I believe she can be a threat in our lineup as a hitter. Maddie is very positive and she shows up every day at practice ready to work hard.”

While Kaus’ forte has been on the defensive side of things, her enthusiasm to get the chance at the plate is obvious.

“I got hit for my sophomore year, so I knew that it would be a possibility last year too,” Kaus said. “Obviously, that was a little frustrating but I also know that my coaches are making decisions that are best for the team and not just for myself. I knew there were better hitters in the lineup that we needed to get in the lineup so I just tried to step into my role as an outfielder to help my team best.

“I tried to separate that and not let that affect my performance in the outfield because I knew I could still make a difference defensively. I am really excited about getting the chance to hit this year. Tostenson has been watching me put in the work and to get the chance to hit going into my senior season is very exciting for me. I see good things happening to this team and I want to be a part of it on both sides of the game. I want to prove myself both offensively and defensively.”

West, which used mid-season surge to compile a 16-7 record last season, returns plenty of experienced players led by senior all-state catcher Lydia Banse and senior All-Big Nine Conference selection shortstop Maria Hagen. Banse sizzled the entire season, hitting at a .595 clip with 18 runs scored and 44 RBIs while not striking out once. Hagen batted .348 with 23 runs and 11 RBI’s.

A trio of juniors — third baseman Lyla Baker (.394, 23 runs, 24 RBIs) second baseman Claire Roering (.327, 18 runs, 12 RBIs) and first baseman Maleah Grunst (.194, 11 runs, 11 RBI’s) — are also back. Junior outfielder Lily Considine carved out a .404 average with 19 runs and 14 RBIs as the DH a year ago while sophomore pitcher Nora Davis hit .444 with five runs and six RBIs while posting a 2.10 ERA in 50 innings pitched.

“So many of us have played together for so many years that this is the year everything is going to click,” Kaus said. “I feel that everything is going to mesh for us this year and we’re going to go pretty far. People say I am bubbly and outgoing. I like to talk and be loud while bringing energy to people around me. I try to always be positive and not let my bad days affect my play.”

Tostenson indicated a pair of eighth-graders — Cora Aanenson and Olivia Grack — would also see action in the circle while sisters Taylor and Riley Fitzloff will add depth as an outfielder and utility player, respectively.